Unhealthy Dependency

Well, this week has been interesting for me. I took my PowerBook into the Apple Store for a little maintenance - even Ferrari's need to get the oil changed every now and then. The interesting thing was that after taking it in, I discovered I'd need to leave it overnight. I had apparently caused some programs to be misfiring. Not a problem, but I would be without my computer for about 24 hours.

Little did I realize how dependent I had become. Rhonda said "to Graysen" that Daddy was going to go crazy without his computer. I didn't like the sound of that ringing in my ear. Am I really dependent on my computer in an unhealthy way? Is it possible to rely too much on these technological marvels? What is considered healthy? What do you consider unhealthy?

In many ways my computer, and other technological advances, have assisted me in streamlining my life. I can check scores and news online at my convenience rather than waiting for the news. I keep in touch with friends via instant messaging. I send photos of the kids to grandparents without going to the post office. I do most of my work from home. And you get to hear about my days!

As a general rule, I want to shut it down in the evenings. I am trying to live my life more simply and part of that is to allow my mind and body to shut down before going to bed. It's my goal every night to shut down my computer by 6pm. I cannot say that it always happens, but I want it to happen. In ancient Hebrew culture, people understood their days to be different than we do. They viewed a day being from 6pm to 6pm. We tend to view it from 6am to 6am. Some of us a little later and some a little earlier. The Hebrews saw tremendous value in the early evening period from dinner to bedtime. This time slot was reserved for the most important of all relationships - family and friends.

Not only was this the way of the ancient Hebrew, but it also appears that this may be in our wiring as human beings. Our bodies produce certain rhythms. We have a gland in our brains called the pineal gland. This gland stores serotonin, which is a chemical that the body releases to ensure that we feel contentment and joy during the daytime hours. Around sundown, the serotonin is converted to melatonin and we are set up for sleep. Sort of our body's natural uppers and downers! This is fascinating stuff for sure, but I'll stop here.

The point is that our bodies are wired up to slow down, and if my dependence on the computer keeps me at a higher pace than I should me, it will cause damage...somewhere and sometime. I have chosen to pursue evenings of relationship over evenings of activity and work. I prefer to sit out in the driveway and visit with neighbors in the evening. I prefer to turn down the lights in the evening and relax with my family. It doesn't always work out that way, but when it does, there is not much better. I want that feeling more and more.

"I have the right to do anything," you say - but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything" - but I will not be mastered by anything." - 1 Corinthians 6.12